Meet Dr. Deborah Villanueva

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Deborah Villanueva a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Deborah , thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout is a shadow that can loom over anyone in a helping profession, especially when your heart beats for the people you serve. As a Doctor in Social Work and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my life has been a delicate balance of bonds- threaded with the exhilaration of deep connection and the unyielding burden of duty. To avoid unraveling under that weight, I’ve had to embrace what I call “soul stewardship”- a deliberate practice of recharging and preserving my inner light.
Nature is my sanctuary. When I feel the edges of burnout creeping in, I head to where the wild things breathe. Walking along the ocean’s edge, the waves washing over my feet, reminds me of life’s ebb and flow. In the forest, surrounded by towering trees that seem to whisper ancient wisdom, I find stillness. Watching wildlife- deer grazing, birds in flight- anchors me to the present moment. Nature is my reset button, a place where I shed the heavy cloak of stress and rediscover my own rhythm.
But self-soothing is more than just retreating to nature- it’s about building rituals that bring peace into everyday life. I practice grounding exercises, like tracing the veins of a leaf or running my fingers through smooth pebbles, reminding myself of the here and now. Journaling is another solace; it helps me pour out what weighs on my spirit and transforms tangled thoughts into clarity.
Healthy boundaries have been my greatest ally. I’ve learned to say “no” when my plate is full, even when my instinct is to say “yes” to every need. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out- it’s about ensuring I have the energy to show up fully for those who matter, myself included.
Burnout doesn’t stand a chance when we choose to nurture ourselves with the same compassion we offer others. I’ve made it my mission to model this for the clients I serve, reminding them- and myself- that tending to our own souls is not selfish; it’s the foundation for everything we hope to give.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Healing Mynds, Inc., my private practice, the work centers on fostering growth, resilience, and healing within the communities I serve. I work not only with individuals and families in need but also consult with organizations like the LA County Department of Mental Health, the Orange County Healthcare Agency, and San Diego County Behavioral Health Services. Whether in private sessions or through larger systemic initiatives, my focus remains on creating pathways for people to access the tools and support they need to thrive.
What makes this work so special is its transformative nature- not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Healing is a process that touches lives beyond the person receiving care. It’s a ripple of positive change, and I feel a deep sense of purpose in being a part of that. Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to meet people where they are, helping them to face their struggles and celebrate their progress.
When the LA County wildfires struck in January 2025, it was a moment to act, not pause. I quickly reached out to the mental health departments I consult with to identify where my skills could be used most effectively. Collaborating with local clinicians, I offered probono services to individuals and families, ensuring that those impacted by the disaster had access to crisis intervention and the resources they needed to rebuild. Volunteering with a crisis response team allowed me to provide immediate support to survivors, reinforcing my belief that our clients’ well-being must always come first.
At Healing Mynds, we are committed to continuously improving our services. From integrating culturally responsive practices to exploring innovative approaches to care, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our clients. It’s a privilege to do this work and to contribute to the resilience of the communities we serve.
This isn’t just a profession for me- it’s a way of making a difference. Every moment spent helping someone navigate their challenges is a step toward creating a stronger, healthier community, and I am honored to play a role in that process.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as pivotal: empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Each has been a cornerstone in my work and a guide in navigating the challenges of serving others.
1. Empathy is the foundation of connection. As a clinical social worker and consultant, understanding the experiences and emotions of others has been vital in creating a safe space for healing and growth. To develop empathy, start by listening- not just hearing but truly listening without judgment. Practice placing yourself in someone else’s shoes, even if their path is unfamiliar. The ability to connect on a human level will not only enhance your work but also enrich your life.
2. Adaptability- No two days in this field are the same. Whether responding to crises like the LA County wildfires or addressing the unique needs of diverse communities, adaptability has been critical in staying effective and grounded. For those starting their journey, I encourage you to embrace uncertainty and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset. Flexibility doesn’t mean compromising your values; it means finding creative ways to stay true to them.
3. Lifelong Learning- The mental health field evolves constantly, and so do the needs of the people we serve. Staying curious and open to new knowledge has allowed me to grow alongside my clients and colleagues. For those beginning their path, invest in professional development, seek mentorship, and remain curious. Every book you read, every conference you attend, and every conversation with a peer can add depth to your practice.
Advice for those starting out: Focus on building meaningful relationships and practicing patience- with others and yourself. The work we do is challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding. Invest in self-care, set healthy boundaries, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Your journey will be unique, and that’s where your strength lies- embrace it.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe our strengths are the core of who we are-they’re the talents and passions that make us shine. But life isn’t a solo performance; it’s a symphony, and to truly thrive, we need to cultivate a harmony between leaning into our strengths and refining the areas where we struggle.
Let me share a story to illustrate this. Years ago, during a leadership retreat I attended, we were given a task to organize a community project in under an hour. My natural strengths- relationship-building and communication- immediately kicked in. I began rallying the group, dividing responsibilities, and encouraging collaboration. It felt effortless and energizing.
But as we moved forward, a glaring gap emerged: logistical coordination. I hadn’t accounted for timing, resources, or the fine details that could make or break the project. That wasn’t my strength, but it was critical. Instead of ignoring it, I asked for help. A colleague, someone whose talent for precision and planning complemented my own, stepped in. Together, we created something far more impactful than either of us could have done alone.
That experience taught me that going all in on our strengths is essential- it allows us to lead with confidence and authenticity. But improving our weaker areas isn’t about becoming perfect in everything; it’s about recognizing where we can grow to complement our strengths. It’s about becoming adaptable and creating space for collaboration.
For anyone wondering where to focus their energy, I’d say this: Lean into what makes you come alive, what feels natural and powerful. But don’t shy away from stretching yourself in areas where growth is needed. Growth makes us resilient and well-rounded, not because we have to excel at everything, but because it allows us to navigate life’s complexities with greater skill and confidence.
In the end, our strengths light the way, but it’s our willingness to grow that helps us reach further than we ever thought possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drdeborahvillanueva.com/

Image Credits

the second and the forth image only: Epic Media Photography / Andre Dunston